New signing will spot stars of the future

THE Blades have announced a new signing – an education officer to work for the United Initiative to nurture young people’s sporting abilities.

Chris Bailey, aged 23, is based at the United Academy and will be working in partnership with Norton College to teach young people aged 16-plus maths, IT, English and sports qualifications.

Students will work towards awards on the National Curriculum Framework for Education and will include enterprise and sport skills based units. The courses will be delivered by the United Initiative, Sheffield United’s community division, at Bramall Lane.

Chris said: “The qualifications I teach are a combination of classroom activities and practical modules.

“The courses are specifically structured for youngsters who may not have found traditional mainstream school subjects easy and it’s a great way to boost their confidence, employability and provides a good grounding for further education.

“Sport helped me develop as a youngster and that’s what I hope to help my students do too. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Sheffield United and the United Initiative as I am able to use my qualifications to give something back to the community.

“I’m passionate about football and sport in general and I hope my pupils will relate to me and be inspired by what they can achieve.”

Chris attended Rawmarsh School in Rotherham before studying Sport Development and Physical Education at Dearne Valley College.

He also completed his coaching awards, which led him to teach summer camps in California.